Apparatus for testing containers



Sept. 3, 1946. w. A. DARRAH APPARATUS FOR TESTING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 24. 1942 12 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 3, 1946. w. A. DARRAH APPARATUS Non TESTING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 24, 1942 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 3 www Plilluu/Larrah Sept 3 1946- w. A. DARRAH 2,407,062

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APPARATUS FOR TESTING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 24, 1942 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 STATION 3.

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APPARATUS FOR TESTING CONTAINERS FiledvAug. 24, 1942 12 Sheets-Sheet T Sept. 3, 1.946. w. A. DARRAH APPARATUS FOR TESTING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 24, 1942 12 Sheets-Sheet 8 Q n a 1T C 6 C .c Irl-.I z if c f s ml c gwuwwkw m. mzzlnmADamqa Sept. 3, 1946.

W. A. DARRAH APPARATUS FOR TESTING CONTNERS Filed Aug. 24, 1942 Sept. 3, 1946. w. A. DARRAH 2,407,062

l APPARATUS FOR TESTING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 24, 1942 12 Sheets-Sheet 10 Sept. 3, 1946- w.` A. DARRAH 2,407,062

APPARATUS FOR TESTING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 24, 1942 l1,2 Sheets-Sheet 11 Arlon 2 sra-non Al I+ grwmm WillinmAafr-ak w. A. DARRAH APPARATUS Fon TESTING cu'xgugns Sept. 3, 1946.

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I HBH un uJt QI wits Jul Patented 3, 1946 William A. Dan'ah, Chicago, Ill.. assis-nor to Owens-Illinois Glass Company, a corporation of Ohio Application August 24, 1942, Serial No. 455,887

(ci. zoe-ss) My invention relates to apparatus for gauging bottles, jars and other hollow articles, testing them for a variety of imperfections, and auto` matically discarding defective ware. manufacture of glass bottles, jars and similar ware, it is practically impossible to produce uniformly perfect articles owing to the inherent na ture of the glass which must 4be'molded while in a hot plastic condition. While in such condition and during the gathering and blowing of the glass in the molds and the cooling, hardening and annealing processes, it is subject to many influences tending to distort the glass and introduce other imperfections.

At the present day it is the universal practice for trained inspectors, called selectors, to inspect the ware as it is taken from the annealing leer,

discarding those articles having imperfectionsV which are detected visually as the articles are rapidly handled. Modern requirements for corn--` mercial ware are exacting as to size, shape, capacity, nish, etc. This is particularly true, for example, in regard to bottles which are to be illled and sealed by automatic machinery which does not permit of any material deviations in size, shape or finish of the bottles. Further, in the use of such automatic filling machinery, it is customary to introduce a filling tube or norzle into the neck of the bottle and for satisfactory operation the interior of the bottle neck must be accurate as to size and shape.

' The requirements in respect to bottles and jars for use where such automatic filling machinery is employed, are rendered the more exacting because a defective container may tie up temporarily a long lling line, resulting in a loss many times greater than the cost of the container itself.

A further defect which is frequently found in bottles 'and other glass containers relates to small leaks or pinhole openings through the glass, which maybe the result of seeds or air bubbles embedded in the glass and breaking through the walls of the container. It is impos-` sible by the usual methods of inspection to detect many of the defects by which the articles fail to meet standard requirements. A

the bottles or other articles which are defective are automatically segregated and` discarded.

Such defective bottles include bottles either` longer or shorter than the specified length, leaky bottles (called leakers"), bottles with imperfect In the-` finish or imperfect neck openings. bottles out-oiround or otherwise irregular as to size or shape,`

bottles which lean (leaners) owing to rounded, irregular or defective bottoms, bottles `with sunken or bulged sides, oversize and undersize .exacting requirements of such an apparatus def signed to discard val1 articles which are defecftive or which do not `measure up to prescribed standards for the uniform output of high quality ware. Such apparatus eliminates defective ware or reduces it to an extent impossible to attain where manual inspection is relied upon.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus for advancing the articles in a line through a number of testing stations or zones arranged one in advance of another and testing the articles for different defects in each zone.

The invention further provides for concurrently testing groups of articles in each of a plurality of testing zones and for segregating the defective articles from those which meet the tests.

Other objects of the invention will appear hereinafter.

paratus.

Referring to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a testing machine or apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of my invention:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a sectional plan on a larger scale, of a portion of the apparatus.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional elevationof the ap- Fig. 4 is a sectional `elevation of: a testing unit for gauging the articlesas to height or length, and for making various other tests.

Fig. 5 is a section at the line 5 5 on Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is an elevation of a testing unit adapted for testing the top sealing surfaces or finishes of the bottles.

Fig. 7 is a section at the line 1-1 on Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a section at the line 8-8 on`Fig. 6.

Fig.` 9 is a sectional elevation showing a testing unit which provides means for vacuumizing the articles and thereby testing them for various defects, and also electrical means for testing wall thickness.

Fig. 10 is a part-sectional longitudinal elevation of the apparatus with parts broken away.

Fig. 11 is a detail View of a spacing finger and trip device.

Fig. 12 v,is a bottom plan view of one of the spring actuated' pressure rolls distributed along the belt conveyor.

Fig. 13 is a detail view of means for rocking the finger shaft shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a part-sectional plan view of the apparatus with portions broken away.

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary plan view showing means for shifting the frame which can'les the article centering rolls.

' Fig. 16 is a fragmentary plan view showing means for centering and holding the articles during the testing operations. i

Fig. 17 is a sectional elevation of parts shown in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view showing the swinging frame which carries the intermittent conveyor belt.

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary rear elevation of said frame and its operating means.

Fig. 20 is a view of the timer mechanism.

Fig. 21 is a section at the line 2 |-2I on Fig. 20 showing a timer cam disk and a valve operated thereby for controlling the bottle feeder motor.

Fig. 22 is a section at the line 22-22 on Fig. 21.

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary plan view showing article centering rolls and associated mechanism.

Fig. 24 is a fragmentary sectional elevation showing a trap in its open position for discharging a bottle.

Fig. 25 is a view similar to Fig. 23 showing a modification adapted for gauging panel ware and other flat or noncircular articles.

Fig. 26 is a side elevation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 25.

Fig. 27 is a diagram of the vacuum system and its electrical control.

Fig. 28 is a wiring diagram of the electrical apparatus, except that shown in Fig. 27.

Fig. 29 is a timer chart showing the timing of the various operations.

The apparatus as herein illustrated and described in detail is particularly adapted for testing bottles but may be adjusted and adapted for testing various other articles.

Referring to the drawings, the bottles B are fed into the apparatus at one end thereof and are conveyed in a straight line extending lengthwise of the apparatus, passing through the testing stations in succession. In the particular form of apparatus illustrated there are provided three testing stations numbered I, 2 and 3, (Figs. 1 and 10) each adapted to accommodate a group of six bottles. The testing operations are carried on at the several stations concurrently. After the tests have been made on the groups of bottles at the three stations, all of the bottles are advanced simultaneously so that the group at station 3 is discharged and the groups at stations and 2 are advanced to stations 2 and 3 respectively while a new group of bottles is fed into station I.

The apparatus is supported by a framework including upright channel bars 35 to which are secured horizontal lower girders 36 which extend the full length of the apparatus and support the major portion of the apparatus. Upper longitudinal channel bars 31 are mounted on the uprights 35and support cross girders 33 spaced at intervals lengthwise of the apparatus.

'I'he bottles are conveyed through the testing stations by a pair of endless V-belts 40 and 4I (Figs. l, 2, 3) which are arranged to engage the sides of the bottles adjacent the lower ends thereof. The belts and 4| are driven respectively by electric motors 42 and 43 (Fig. l) 'I'he motor 43 as shown in Fig. 10 has a driving connection with the belt 4| through gearing including a belt 44 and vertical shaft 45 to which is connected a pulley 43 over which the conveyor belt 4| is trained. The belt 4| is also trained over an idler pulley 41 on a shaft 48 at the intake end of the apparatus. The driving connections from the motor 42 to theconveyor belt 40 may be a duplicate of those just described, the belt 40 being trained over a. drive pulley 49 (Fig. 1) and an idler pulley 5U. The conveyor belt 40 is driven continuously and the belt 4| intermittently, the motor 43 and belt 4| also being periodically reversed for purposes set forth hereinafter.

l Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the bottles are carried to the apparatus on a horizontally traveling conveyor 5| and transferred to the conveyor belts 40 and 4| by transfer or feeder mechanism including a disk 52 on which the bottles are received from the conveyor 5|. Stationary guide rails 53 and 54 direct the bottles ihto position to be advanced between the conveyors 40, 4|, each bottle being arrested by a stop bar 55 when in such position. Adjustable mountings 53, 54n permit adjustment of the rails for bottles of different diameters. The bottles are pushed forward to a position between the conveyors 40, 4|, by a pusher finger 56 on a rock arm 51 which is pivoted at 58 to a base plate 59. A piston motor 60, mounted on the plate 59. is operatively connected to the rock arm 51 and is periodically actuated for oscillating said arm and thereby pushing the bottles in succession into position between the feeder belts. The base plate 59 is adjustably mounted in inclined slideways on a stationary bracket 6| permitting adjustment of the pusher finger for ware of different sizes while maintaining the direction of force applied through the finger substantially normal to the surface of the bottle at the point of contact.

The motor 60 operates while the conveyor belts 40 and 4| are both moving in a. forward direction, to impart six strokes to the pusher finger 56 thereby introducing six bottles to the testing station I, the motor 60 then remaining at rest until the testing operations have been eil'ected. The operations of the motor 60 are under the control of a timer cam C" (Figs. 20, 21) which actuates the motor valve as hereinafter set forth.

The belt 40 is supported in part and guided by a series of idler pulleys 62 (Figs. 2, 3) positioned at short intervals along the inner surface of the i belt. Said pulleys are carried on bracket arms 63 attached to a frame 64 comprising channel bars extending throughout the length of the apparatus and supported on end frame members 65. The conveyor belt 4| is in like manner guided and supported on idler pulleys 52 positioned at intervals lengthwise of the apparatus.

Rolls 65 (Figs. 2, 13) are arranged at intervals along the strands or leads of the belts remote from the bottle line and bear against the exterior surfaces of the belts for holding them against the guiding rolls 52, 52. The rolls 62 positioned along the bottle line may be yieldingly mounted for applying spring pressure to the belt 4| for holding it in driving engagement with the bottles. The spring mounting for these rolls as shown in Figs. 12 and 25 comprises rock arms 33, each pivoted at one end to a bracket 66h or other stationary support. The roll 62* is carried on the free end of the arm and is held V withaspringpressureagainstthebeltbya spring 90, one end of which is hooked on a pin 99d on the arm il". The swinging movement of the roll I8 is limited by a stop pin 59 (Fig. 25) projecting from the arm into an enlarged open- -ing in the bracket 90b.

The pulleys 82n and also the end sheaves over which the conveyor 4| is trained. are mounted on a swinging frame 91 by which the conveyor is periodically swung to and from operative position. Said frame includes a channel bar extending lengthwise of the apparatus and end hangers 68 which are connected by pivots 69 to vertical rods 10. The latter may be adjusted up and down by means of adjusting nuts 1| threaded on the rods and supported on the framework.

The frame 61 is periodically swung about the pivots 69 by means of an air operated piston motor 13 (Figs. 3, 19), connected by a pivot 12 to the framework ofthe apparatus. The piston rod is connected to a rock arm 'I4 on a rock shaft 15. Rock arms 15 fixed to the shaft 15, have slot and pin connections 'Il with pairs of lugs 18 secured to the frame 51. The motor 13 is under the control of a timer cam and operates periodically through the connections just described to swing the frame 61 and withdraw the conveyor belt 4|, permitting the bottles to be discharged.

After a group of bottles have been fed between the conveyors 40, 4| and Nthe preceding bottles advanced along the line, they are accurately spaced along the conveyors by means of spacing fingers 80 (Figs. 3, 16, 17, 18, 23) on a rock shaft 8| which is journalled in bearing brackets 82 attached to the frame 61. As shown in Fig. 23 the :fingers 80 are carried on collars 83 mounted on the shaft 8| and adjustable thereon both lengthwise and rotatively of the shaft. The shaft is also adjustable lengthwise as may be required for positioning the spacer fingers for different sized articles which are under test. This adjustment of the shaft is effected by means of an adjusting rod 8|* (Fig. 23) connected to Aan arm 8|b journalled on the shaft, the rod being adjustably attached to a stationary support.

The shaft 8| is periodically rocked for swinging the spacing fingers upward out of the path of the bottles, by means of a piston motorv 84 (Fig. 3) mounted on a hanger 89. The piston rod of the motor is connected through a link 85 to a rock arm 85 on the shaft 8|. The motor 84 operates under the control of a timer cam Cs (Fig. as hereinafter set forth.

The spacing fingers are held in their lifted position by a spring actuated pivoted` latch 8|* (Fig. 11) which, when the lingers are lifted. engages behind a lug |l|b on the shaft. The latch is released by an electromagnet 8| c under the control of the .timer mechanism. When the latch is released, the shaft 9| is rocked to lower the spacing ngers 80 by` means of a tension spring 8|d (Fig. 13).

Means providing a bottom support for the bottles includes a series of bottom plates 81 alternating with spacing strips 80 (Fig. 16) on the same level therewith to provide a continuous smooth surface on which the bottles slide as they are carried forward. The bottom plates are spaced to correspond to the spacing of the testing spindles hereinafter described and support the bottles during the testing operations. The bottom plates are individually hinged to swing downward under the control of the testing devices and thus serve as trap doors for discharg- 6 y ing defective bottles and thereby mating them from those whichpsss thetests. Each bottom plate Il is carried on a rock arm 8l (Figs. 18, 17) attached to a bearing sleeve 99 which is Joux-nailed on a rockshatt 9|. The bottom plates are normally held in their bottle supporting position by latches 92 individual thereto, each latch Projecting beneath the forward end of the bottom plate. Each latch is mounted to swing on a pivot pin and is actuated by anelectromagnet 94 (Figs. 3 and 16). The armature of the electromagnet has operating connection with the latch through a link 95, bell crank 99 and a vertical rod 91.

The electromgnets 94 are controlled automatically as hereinafter described by the corresponding lbottle testing umts so that the magnets are energized selectively when defective bottles are tested, and operate to trip the latches 92. After a latch is trippedthe trap door is temporarily held up by means including a pair of leaf springs 98 (Figs. 16, 17) attached to` collars 99 keyed to the shaft 9|. The shaft 9| is automatically rotated through an angle of about 90 after each series of bottle tests thereby swinging the arms 98 downward. If one or more of the latches 92 havebeen tripped owing to defects in the bottles under test. the corresponding bottom plates will be fr ee to swing downward with the arms 98 allowing such defective bottles to drop and thereby be separated from the remaining bottles. The bottles are discharged through vertical chutes or passageways |00 (Fig. 14) formed by vertical plates |0| spaced at intervals between parallel plates |02 extending lengthwise of the apparatus.

The means for rocking the shaft 9| to withdraw the arms`99 from the trap doors, comprises a piston motor 9| (Figs. 3 and 14), the piston rod of which is connected to a rock arm 9|b on a rock shaft 9| to which are keyed gears 9|d running in mesh with pinions 9| on the shaft 9|.

The motor 9| is under the control of the timer cam Cs (Fig. 20).

The testing units are arranged in a row extending along the bottle line, each unit comprising a vertical shaft or spindle |03 positioned above the path of the bottles. These units include a group of 6 spindles in each testing zone or station. Each spindle carries a testing device or devices. These are adapted for the particular tests to be made in the respective zones. All of the spindles are periodically lowered simultaneously to operative position. The means for lifting and lowering the spindles includes a piston motor |04 (Figs. 3 and 10) connected by a pivot |05 to a frame |08 which carries the spindles |03. The motor piston is connected to a rock arm |01 fixed to a rock shaft |08 journalled in brackets |09 on the frame |06. Rock arms `||0 fixed to the shaft |08 are connectedthrough links to the spindle shafts |03. The motor |04 is operated under the control of a timer cam C4 (Fig. 20) which operates the motor valve as hereinafter described.

The frame |05 isl mounted for adjustment transversely of theapparatus, being slidable on guideways |l2. 'Theadjusting means includes a hand wheel ||3 (Figs. 1 and 3) dn a shaft carrying a worm gear ||I which meshes with a worm wheel l5 keyed to a shaft H0. Rock arms on the outer ends of the shaft H0 are connected through rods ||8 to the frame |06. Rotation of 7 the bottles under test. which position varies with the diameter of the bottles.

Means for centering the bottles with respect to the testing units and holding the bottles centered during the testing operations, includes groups of centering rolls individual to the umts. Each said group comprises a roll |20 (see Figs. 16, 17) to engage one side of the bottle and a pair of rolls |2| at the opposite side of the center line of the bottle. 'I'he rolls |20 are all mounted on the under side of a stationary bar |22 extending lengthwise of the apparatus, and are made of steel or other hard material to provide a fixed point of contact with the bottle under test. The rolls |2| of each group are made of rubber or other yieldable material and are journalled on the inner ends of a pair of arms |23, |24 which swing on pivots |25 on a pair of ears |26 formed on a block |21. The latter is adjustably mounted on a vertical shaft or post |28 supported on a frame |29. 'I'his frame extends lengthwise of the apparatus and provides a support for all of the shafts |28 and is mounted for periodic movement in a direction transverse to its length for moving the centering rolls |2| into and out of operative position. For this purpose the frame |29 is slldably mounted on a stationary frame 30 (Figs. 3, 14, 15) which extends parallel therewith.

The means for shifting the frame |29 includes an air operated pistonmotor |3| (Figs. l0, 15) mounted on the frame 30 and having a piston rod |32 extending in opposite directions from the motor cylinder. The outer ends of the piston rod are connected to cam slide blocks |33 which are slidable in guideways |34 on the frame |30. Each slide block is formed with a cam track or groove |35 in which runs a cam follower roll |36 on the slide frame |29. The motor |3| is operated periodically under the control of a timer cam C (Fig. 20) and actuates the cams for moving the frame |29 and the centering rolls |2| to and from the bottle centering position shown in Fig. 16. A

The stationary frame |30 is manually adjustable forwardly and rearwardly for positioning the guide rolls |2| to accommodate articles of various sizes. For this purpose the frame is mounted by means of end brackets |31 (Figs. 14, 15) fixed to the frame and slidable along guides |38. Clamping bolts |39 extending through slots in the brackets serve to clamp the frame in its adjusted position. When the bolts are loosened the frame may be adjusted by means of a hand wheel |40 (Figs. 3 and 14) attached to a worm shaft |4| which drives a worm wheel |42 on a shaft |43 (see Fig. extending lengthwise of .the apparatus. The shaft |43 is journalled in the main frame of the machine and carries worm gears |44 adjacent its opposite ends, each of which meshes with a worm wheel |45. Each of the worm wheels |45 is keyed to a screw shaft |46 journalled in the' main frame and threaded through a nut |41 attached to the frame |30.

Figs. 16 and 23 show adjustments of the centering rolls |2| for testing bottles of comparatively large and small diameters respectively. Adjusting devices individual to the pairs of rolls, each includes a hand crank |50 attached to a shaft |5| which has a bearing in a plate |52 secured to the frame |29. 'I'he inner end of the shaft carries a worm |53 (Fig. 17) which meshes with a worm gear |54 keyed to a shaft |55 journalled in the gear box or block |21. The shaft |55 is formed with right and left-hand screw threads to receive correspondingly threaded nuts |56 formed with bearing pins |51 to engage the arms |23 and |24. The arm |24 is forked to straddle the pin |51 so that the arm is held against swinging movement in either direction about its pivot. The arm |23 is formed with a finger |59 which contacts the pin |51 and limits the inward movement of the roll |2| thereon but permits outward movement thereof against the tension of /a coil spring |60.

'I'he posts |28 within the ilrst zone or station in addition to serving as carriers for the centering rolls |2|, also provide a mounting for gauging devices, each of which comprises a micro-switch |6| (Fig. 17) carried on a rod |62 adjustably secured to the post`|20. Each of these devices comprises a contact piece |63 adapted to engage the side wall of the bottle under test. During the testing operation the bottle is rotated about its own axis as hereinafter set forth and if the bottle is out-of-round or non-circular at the line of contact with the gauging device or if the diameter is either greater or smaller than the required diameter, the contact piece |63 operates the micro-switch. 'I'he latter controls the corresponding electromagnet 94 as more fully set forth hereinafter and actuates it for effecting a discharge of the defective bottle in the manner above described. The rod |62 may be adjusted to any desired position lengthwise of the post; Also if desired a plurality of these gauges may be mounted on each of the posts for testing the bottles at different heights.

The posts |28 within the third zone or station 3 also carry bottle testing devices. These may consist of electrodes in the form of needles |64, brushes or the like, (Figs. 9 and 24) carried on rods |65 attached to the posts. These contacts are connected in a high tension electrical circuit for testing the wall thickness of the bottles as more fully set forth hereinafter.

Gauging devices are provided at station for testing the height or length of the bottles, size of the neck openings, and for making certain other tests. These devices are al1 of the same construction which will now be described, reference being had particularly to Figs. 3, 4 and 5. Each shaft |03 is mounted for up-and-down movement in bearing sleeves |66 on the frame |06. The lower end portion of the shaft |03 is screw threaded to receive the upper threaded end of a tubular shaft |61 which forms an adjustable extension of the shaft |03. The parts are locked in adjusted position by a nut |60.

Mounted for up-and-down movement within the shaft |03, |61, is a tubular shaft |69 formed with a collar |10 and yieldingly held in its lowered or extended position by a coil spring |1| held under compression between the collar |10 and the lower end of the shaft |03. The shaft |69 is held against rotation within the shaft |61 by means of a pair of lugs |12 which are threaded through the shaft |61 and project into grooves |13 in the shaft |69. A rod |14 is mounted in the shaft |69 and is adjustable up and down therein and held in adjusted position by a clam-ping screw |15.

The lower end of the rod is formed with a head |16 adapted to seat on the upper end surface or finish of the bottle under test. provides a shoulder to limit the movement of the rod |14 within the tube |69. A plunger tip |11 which is threaded into the head |16, is adapted to enter the neck of the bottle and serves to hold the bottle in position while being gauged for Said head also 1 amigos:

, 9 height and also serves for testing the, bottle for various defects as will presently be pointed out.

A micro-switch |18 is attached to the tube |81 by a -pair of straps |19 and carries a flexible arm |80 provided` with a cam follower roll |8|. A cam |82 formed with an inclined cam surface with which the roll |8| contacts, is mounted on a post |89. The cam is adjustable up and down on the post and held in adjusted position by a set screw |84. The post is carried in a bracket |89 secured to the shaft |99.

The operation of the gauging device shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is as follows: i

When the motor |04 operates to lower the rods |09, -each plunger tip |11 enters the neck cf a bottle which is held centered thereberieath by the guide rolls l2|, and the head |19seats on the bottle. If the bottle is of normal height and shape, the downward movement of the shaft |69 carrying the cam |82 is arrested shortly before the rod` |03 completes its downward movement so that there is a final movement of the shaft section s1 relative to the shaft m and cam m- This brings the cam roll |8| to a position on the cam determined bythe height of the bottle. If

10 The sleeve |91 is formed with a plate I 99 which provides a mounting for micro-switches 200 and 4 24| positioned at opposite sides of said sleeve.

this height is within the required limits `determined by the adjustment of the apparatus, the i micro-switch remains open. If the bottle is above normal height the switch arm |80 is moved inward far enough to operate the switch. `This establishes a circuit for the corresponding electromagnet 94 so that the bottle is eventually dis. carded.

If a bottle is below the prescribed height a micro-switch 81 (Fig. 5) is operated.` This switch is mounted on a hanger |89 attached to and depending from the frame |08. An arm |89 (Fig. 5) attached to the post |89 extends outwardly over the micro-switch. When the height of the bottle is below normal the shaft |99 and with it the arm |89 are carried downward to a point at which the arm |89 actuates the microswitch |81 before the head |19 seats on the bottle. The micro-switch |81 also controls the electromagnet 94 and causes its operation and thereby effects the discharge of the bottle. When the plunger tifp |11 is prevented from passing downward its full length into the bottle neck owing to any defect such as a neck open- `ing below normal size, a crooked neck, a neck opening out-of-round, or any defect such as a rounded or inclined bottom which causes the bottle to tilt, the'cam |84 operates in the same manner as when the bottle is above normal height, to effect the discharge of the bottle.

The testing units at station 2 are equipped with means particularly adapted for testing the top surfaces or iinishes'of the bottles and discarding those defective in this respect. The defects may include seams, projections, uneven or inclined surfaces and other irregularities.

The construction of one of these testing units is shown in detail in Figs. 6 to 8 inclusive. It includes Va centering head having a stem |9| threaded into the lower end of the shaft |69. 1

The head |90 is provided with a tapered or truste-conical tip |92 divided into four sections by means of slots |93 which are perpendicular to each other. A horizontal rod |94 extends through one of saidslots and is attached to the lower ends of a `pair of straps |95 which are secured by screws |99 to a sleeve |91 keyed on the shaft |99. The gauging head |90 is heldl` against rotative movement by screws |98 which projectinto vertical slots in said head.

The micro-switch 240 is adapted to be actuated by an arm 202 mounted by means of a pivot 298 on an arm 204 attached tothe plate |99. The arm 202 has a finger 209 extending inwardly from the pivot and provided with a knife-edge bearing 209 adapted to rest on the bottle. An

arm 201 for actuating the micro-switch 20| has a contact nger 208 also provided with a knifeedge bearing. The arm 292 is arranged to operate its switch when swung outwardly whereas an inward movement of the arm 201 is required for operating its switch.

The operation of the means for testing the bottle finishes is as follows:

When the shaft |09 is lowered the rod |94 seats on the bottle nish and the tip |92' holds the bottle centered. During this test the bottle is rotating and the top surface or finish is perfectly level an smooth the switch operating arms 202 and 201 are held in such position that the micro-switches are not operated. If the surface under test has a iin, seam or other irregularity which causes the finger 205 to be swung upward about its pivot 208 the switch 200 is operated, thereby causing the corresponding electromagnet 94 to be actuated so that the bottle is discarded. In like manner any depressions or any irregularities in the surface under test which would permit the finger 208 to move downward relative to the rod |94 would operate the switch 20 I, causing the electromagnet to be actuated for discarding the bottle, as the electromagnet is under the control of both switches.

At station 8 the bottles undergo further tests.

i One of the testing units at this station is illustrated in detail in Fig. 9. A test made at this station comprises evacuating the bottle or` reducing the air pressure therein and then testing the wall thickness at any desired point or points by means of an alternating current, preferably of high voltage. The air is exhausted from the bottle by applying suction` through a vacuum line including a suction pipe 2|0 of rubber or other nonconducting material, connected to a metal head 2|| having a passageway 2|8 extending therethrough and opening into a tubular connector 2|2 attached to said head. An insulating shell 2li has an insulating disk 2|4 secured therein and is attached to the lower end of the connector 2|2 by means of a metal plate 2|5 secured to the disk and having a nipple 2|6 threaded into said connector. A tubular metal stem 2|1 which is threaded into the plate 2|5, serves as a nozzle to be projected into a bottle and through which the air is exhausted. Said nozzle also serves as an electrode in the high tension circuit. 'I'he disk 2 I4 is provided with a liner 2| 9 adapted to seat onv the bottle when the testing unit is lowered, thereby 'forming a seal and permitting the air to be exhausted from the bottle.

The liner. may consist of material such as used commercially for liners for bottle and jar caps, for sealing the containers. This permits a test for leakage under conditions similar to those met with in practice. The disk is preferably made of comparatively hard material permitting a reliable test which will detect minute imperfections r line is closed by means of a timer cam permitting tests for leakage as hereinafter described.

The head 2| is connected to the lower end of a shaft |59* which is made of insulating material and is connected to the shaft |03 to permit upand-down movement of the sealing head and for seating the liner 2|9 on the bottle. Where high voltage. currents are to be employed an insulating disk |58b may be attached to the shaft I89. The electric current may be supplied through an alternating current step-up transformer Tl (Fig. 28) the primary coil of which is connected to the mains 245, 245 of a commercial circuit or other source of alternating current supply. The secondary coil 241 of the transformer together with the testing head and all charged wires may be enclosed or surrounded by a wire mesh cage, `to meet any required safety standards. External conductors including the contacts |64 are preferably grounded. The connector l2|2 (Fig. 9) is made of conducting material and comprises re1- atively rotatable sections having swivel connec- V tion permitting the shell 2|3 to rotate with the bottle during the tests.

The electrical circuit includes a conductor 220 connected to the head 2| the circuit being extended downward through the connector 2|2 to the nozzle 2|1 which serves as an electrode. 'I'he contact element |84 which may be either a needle, brush or other form of contact or electrode, is preferably held against the bottle during the test. If round bottles or articles are under test they are rotated to bring the entire circumference thereof under the test. In testing fiat or non-round bottles, they may travel with the conveyors and thereby cause the contact element to move transversely across the surface under test The electrical test is made after the air has been withdrawn from the bottle or rareiied to such a degree that when the alternating current is applied there is an ionized condition resulting in an electrical charge on the entire interior surface of the bottle. 'Ihe electrodes 2 I1 and |64 are connected in circuit with the high tension secondary 241 (Fig. 28) of the transformer. This circuit may be traced through conductors 248, 248, electrode 2|1, bottle B, electrode |64, a galvanometer G1 or ammeter, and conductors 249, 249e. The bottle, together with the electrodes, serves as a -condenser so that an alternating current is produced, which current is indicated by the galvanometer G1. The volume of the current will depend upon the wall thickness at the point of contact of the electrode |54, and also upon the frequency of the current.

When the current ilowing through the galvanometer G1 exceeds a value determined by the minimum permissible wall thickness of the bottle under test,` the galvanometer needle operates to close a circuit, or actuates a micro-switch to close such circuit, which includes a relay magnet coil 250. This coil is in circuit with the secondary 25| of a step-down transformer T2, the primary of which, as shown, is connected across the mains 245, 246. 'I'his circuit may be traced from one terminal of the transformer through conductors 252, 253, galvanometer G1, coil .250, and conductors 254, 255 back to the transformer. The coil 250 being thus .energized closes a contact 256 in the circuit with the trip magnet coil 94 individual to the bottle under test. The coil 94 as shown, is connected in a direct current circuit comprising the mains 251 and v258 of a commercial circuit or other source of current supply. The circuit for the trip magnet coli may be traced from 12 the positive main 252 through conductors 25|. 250, 25|, contact 255. coil I4 and conductors 252, 263 to the main 251. The trip magnet is thus operated to effect a discharge of the defective bottle. It will be noted that there are provided at station 3 a number of galvanometers Cil equal to the number of testing units; namely 6, each having associated therewith a relay magnet 25| and trip magnet, the circuits for the galvanometers being arranged in parallel as are also the circuits for the coils 250 and the circuits for the trip magnet coils 54.

An important feature of the present invention relates to the use of an alternating current of sufficiently high voltage to produce at the contact I 64, a brush discharge or corona 54. 'I'his serves to increase the eifective area of electrical contact between the contact element and the surface of the glass and correspondingly increases the capacity of the condenser and the volume of current induced in the transformer circuit. I have found that in this manner a current of sumcient volume for practical purposes is readily obtained with the use of a transformer on an ordinary commercial line; for example a 60 cycle circuit. This has substantial advantages over the use of a comparatively low voltage requiring a correspondingly high frequency.

A further method of electrically testing the wall thickness comprises the application to the electrodes 2|1 and |54, of an electromotive force of sufllciently high voltage to cause a disruptive discharge by which the wall of the bottle is pierced, when the wall thickness is less than a predetermined permissible minimum thickness. When the wall is thus punctured the electrical discharge is sufllcient to actuate the micro-switch for effecting the operation of the trip magnet. The puncturing of the container wall in this manner also permits leakage and dissipation of the vacuum. This may be utilized for causing operation of the vacuum testing means as described elsewhere, for discarding the defective bottles.

The transformer T1 is preferably connected in circuit only for the time interval required for making the high tension electrical tests during each cycle of operations. The means for opening and closing the transformer circuit includes a timer disk 258 on a continuously rotating timer shaft 210, the disk having a contact segment 25! which periodically opens and closes the primary circuit of the transformer.

The term vacuum" is herein used as a relative term, rather than to connote an absolute vacuum, and may be defined as a degree of rarefaction well below atmospheric pressure. The term vacuumize is likewise used to indicate such a raref action.

Although the tests for wall thickness, using high tension currents have been described in connection with the use of a vacuum, it is to be understood that said tests may be made by the use of relatively high voltages without vacuumizing the containers or reducing the air pressure therein.

-I have found however that there are substantial advantages obtained in the use of vacuum in cooperation with the high voltage electric currents. Further, by the use of a comparatively high frequency electromotive force the importance of using a vacuum in testing the wall thickness is correspondingly reduced. The higher frequencies also make it possible to reduce the voltage while attaining equally accurate tests.

The term high voltage" as herein used refers asomo a. 13 n to `voltages ranging :romeo to so nimm er higher. The term high frequency refers to frequencies which are well above the range of the,

standard `6|) cycle commercial circuits. and may include frequencies within the range of 1000 cycles per second or higher. l

The timer mechanism shown in Fig. 20 comprisesa series of timer cams designated C1, C. C. etc., mounted on the timer shaft 210. The shaft is rotated continuously and makes one complete rotation during each cycle of operations of the bottle feeding, testing and other devices. Thetimer may be driven from the motor through gearing including a sprocket chain 21 I and speed reduction gearing 212. The timer mechanism also includes an electrical timer device 210 which may be of conventional construction comprising a stationary casing enclosing the electrical contact 'operating through a screw threaded shaft 215 serves for adjusting the casing with the stationary contacts orbrushes carried thereby.

The timer cam C" as shown in Figs. 21 and 22 controls the piston motor 00 (Fig. 2) whichoperates the bottle feeder as heretofore described. l The timer cam includes an annular supportiiu,1

Plate 210 formed on a hub 211 which is keyed to the shaft 210. A pair of cam rings'210 and 210 is clamped to the plate 210 by screw bolts 200. The rotative position of the ring 210 may be determined by a positioning screw 20|. The cam ring 210 is formed with cam lobes 202 which operate a valve lever 200 of a valve 204 which controls a supply of air under pressure or other operating fluid to the motor 00 (Fig. 2). Each cam lobe operates the valve and causes a complete reciprocation of the motor piston so that the number of bottles fed into the apparatus is equal to the number of cam lobes. The cam rings 210 and 219 may both be provided with cam-lobes so that by shifting one ring relative to theL other the effective length of the cam surfaces may be adjustably varied. The construction of the severa'. timer cams may be identical except as to the length and number of the cam surfaces and their 14.` heretofore described. The switches |10 and |01 (Figs. 4 and 5) are comprised in the testing units for testing the height of the bottles. The trip magnets 04 at station 2 are likewise connected in parallel circuits each including switches 200 and 20| in the units for testing the bottle finishes.

The bottlevacuumising and testing system will now be described. reference being had to Figs. 9 and 21. The air is exhausted from the group of bottles under test at station l. through a main vacuum pipe line 200 which is connected through a manifold pipe or header 200 with the branch pipes 2u individual to the testing units. A mmf vacuum valve zu in the une zes is pnodissuy opened by the timer cam C1 for .vacuumizing the group ofbottles imder test. The valve is then closed and the vacuumised bottles subjected to a test for leakage during a certain time interval. A

vacuum releasevalve 200 is then `opened by the timer cam C to admit atmospheric air and dissipate the vacuum.

Each branch pipe 2|0 has therein a self-closing valve 200 which remains closed except when openedby an electromagnet coil 000. The circuits `for the coils "000 are arranged in parallel and each connected to receive current from the secondary ycoil of a transformer T; Each said circuit includes therein a switch 00| which is closed by thebottle when the latter is brought to testing position, and a relay contact 002 which is normally in closed position but is openedby an electromagnet coil 00,0 when the latter is energized as presently described. The circuits for the coils 000.also.each includes a switch 004.' `All oi' the switches 004. are opened and closed by means includinga rod 000 connected to the switches and of Each of the branch pipes 2|0 hasconnected rotative positions which are determined by the required time of operation, during each cycle, ofthe s motor or other device controlled thereby.

Referring to Fig. 28 the intermittently operated motor I0 derives its current from the mains 201, 250 and is periodically reversed as heretofore described, under the control of timer disksV s 210* and 210". 'I'he disk 210* carries-contact seg- `ments 200 and 201. The disk 213i* carries contact brushes with the contact segments 201 and 200 connected respectively with the negative and positive mains. y through a continuous contact ring 20| on a timer disk 210 so thatthe motor runs continuously.

The trip magnet coils 00 at station are conl nected in parallel circuits (Fig. 28) each of which includes switches |0|, |10 and |01. The switch The motor 42 receives its current.` i

IGI (see Fig. 17) is comprised in thetesting device by which theroundness of the bottles is tested as thereto at a point'between the valve 200 and the nozzle 2|1, a vacuum gauge 301 which registers the `degree of vacuum produced within the bottles. The gauge pointer operates to open the circuit for the coil 000, or actuate a micro-switch in said circuit. when the vacuum reaches a certain predetermined degree. The circuit 'for the magnet vcoil 000 extends through a timer segment 000 `on a timerdisk 210".

The operation of the lvacuum control system may be described as follows: When a group of bottles has been fed into station l each bottle closes its switch 00| as shown. It will be noted that one bottle is missing at the fifth testing unit `from the left (Fig. 27) so that the switch "I in said unit remains open. When the bottles have been positioned for the test, the timer cam Cs operates the rod 005 and closes thel switches 004. This establishes a. circuit for each of the coils 000,

which circuit may be traced from the main 205 through conductor 000, contact 002, switch 00|,` coil 000, switch 004 and conductor #|01 to main 240. The coils 300 are thus energized and `open C1 also causes the vacuum valve 201 to close about 15 this time. Following the closing of the vacuum valve 291 the vacuum release valve 2931s opened by its cam. The electrical timer 213d operates to transformer through conductors 3| I, 3I2, switch in vacuum gauge 301, coil 303 and conductor 3I3, timer segment v303 and conductor 3II. If the bottle under test retains the required degree of vacuum the gauge 301 holds the circuit open so that the coil303 remains dormant.

If, on the other hand, the degree of vacuum is below normal the switch at the gauge 301 is closed so that the coil 303 is energized and operates to open the contact 302 and at the same time close a contact 3| 3 in a circuit containing the trip magnet coil 34, which circuit is connected across the mains 243 and 249. The trip magnet therefore operates to eiiect a discharge of the bottle. This situation is indicated in the third unit from the left. Fig. 27, where the switch on the pressure gauge remains closed and the coil 303 has operated to close a circuit for the associated magnet coil 94. At the unit where the bottle is missing the coil 303 is likewise energized and operates the corresponding trip magnet.

The valves 239 are retained in their closed position for apredetermined length of time. If, during this time, there is a slow leakage in any of the bottles the vacuum may be dissipated to a sufficient degree to close the circuit for the associated magnet coil 303 and effect a discharge of the bottle. Such leakage may occur when the finish of the bottle is defective and also when the bottle is cracked or contains a pinhole opening as sometimes occurs, or is otherwise defective in a manner to cause leakage. After the test, the cam C3 again closes the switches 304 momentarily so that the valves 233 are opened to admit atmospheric pressure to the bottles and release themv from the spindles.

Just before this operation of the cam C3 to close the switches 304, the timer 213 opens the circuit for the secondary oi' transformer T3. This leaves the circuits for all the magnet coils 303 open so that all the contacts 302 are closed. This Y allows the circuits for all of the coils 300 to be completed and the valves 299 opened when the switches 303 are closed. The operation of the timer 213d to open the circuits as just described, insures the full release of vacuum from any defective bottle which might otherwise be held with a low vacuum. Without such operation of the timer, a slow leaker, for example, might allow the gauge 301 to close its switch and energize the coil 303 which would then open the contact 302 in the circuit of coil 300 and prevent opening of the valve 293 and release of the low vacuum.

Testing devices as shown in Figs. 25 and 26 may be employed for testing panel ware or other noncircular or flat sided bottles B1. As here shown the arms |23 and |24 carry holding fingers 3I3 which serve in place of the rolls I2I. These iingers may be mounted to swing on pivots 3I1 on the centering arms and are adjustable by means of adjusting screws 3I3. Means for testing one of the side surfaces of the bottle B1 comprises a contact linger 3I9 pivoted at 320 on a supporting plate 32| which carries a pair of micro-switches 322, 323. If the side of the bottle under test is bulged, or shaped to move the iinger 3I3 outwardly the micro-switch 322 is operated. On the othr hand, if the side oi' the bottle is sunken or shaped to permit the ilnger 3I0 to move inwardly the switch 323 is actuated. These switches are connected in. circuit with the trip magnets for eifecting the operation of the latter. 'I'he Opposite side of the bottle is tested by means of a contact finger 324 which is adapted to operatemicro-switches 325 and 326 in the same manner as the switches 322 and 323 -are operated. The plate 32| carry.ng the switches 322, 323, is carried on a rod 321 adjustably supported on the 'post I 28. The plate 324* carrying switches 325, 329 may be mounted on a. post 323 carried on the bracket 66h, said plate being adjustable up and down on the post.

Operation The operation may be summarized as follows, reference being made to the timer chart, Fig. 29, which indicates the timing and sequence of the operations taking place during a complete cycle. With the parts as indicated at the lefthand end of the chart the gauge spindles |03 are in their lowered position (Figs. 3 to 9) and the tests at the several stations are in progress. The high tension current is on, under the control of the timer disk 268 (Fig. 28) so that the bottles at station 3 are undergoing the electrical test for wall thickness, etc. 'I'he bottle at this time has been evacuated and the vacuum valve 291 is in closed position under the control of its timer cam C1. The belt frame 61 (Fig. 3) carrying the belt 4I is in its inward or operative position to which it has been moved by the motor 13 under the control of the timer cam C. The conveyor belt ll is at this time running backward, that is, in a direction reverse to its bottle conveying movement. This movement of the belt 4| is under the control of the electrical timer disks 213* and 213h (Fig. 28). The frame |29 (Figs. 3, 16) carrying the centering rolls is at this time in its forward or operative position, having been moved to such position by its motor I 3| under the control of the timer cam C5, so that the bottles are held centered with respect to the gauging spindles. The bottles are also being rotated about their axes by the oppositely traveling belts 40, 4I. While the electrical and vacuum tests are going on at station 3 the bottles at station I are being gauged for height and tested for various defects by the testing units shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The bottles at station 2 are undergoing the tests for defects in the bottle finish, etc., by the testing units shown in Figs. 6 to 8.

y When the tests are completed the high tension current is cut ofi.' and the vacuum release valve is opened to restore atmospheric pressure withinthe bottles and release them from the suction grip of the spindles. Shortly after this the belt frame 61 (Fig. 3) is swung outwardly, withdrawing the belt 4| from the bottles. The centering roll frame |29 is also at this time withdrawn. This leaves the bottles free so that any defective bottles which have been registered can drop into the discard when the trap doors onwhich they are supported are dropped, which takes place about this time or immediately after the belt frame and centering roll frame have been withdrawn. The trap doors are opened and closed by the motor 9|* (Fig. 3) operating under the control of the timer cam C".

Following this operation the intermittently operating belt." is started in a forward directionv and the belt frame 61 is moved inward to its operative position so that the bottles in the 

